A young dad-of-four killed in a car crash in Co Down had been planning a new life with his family in Australia, grieving friends said.

Patrick Cunningham died after a single vehicle accident on the Killowen Road between Kilkeel and Rostrevor on Friday morning.

Mr Cunningham, who was aged in his 30s and the father of two sets of twins, had been travelling to work at Thompson Aero Seating in Portadown when the tragedy happened.

A close friend told Belfast Live: “He was just a gentleman, a great family man.

“There had been talk of the family emigrating to Australia later in the year.

“They had their whole lives ahead of them but that has been cruelly taken away.”

Two other men in the car were taken to hospital but their injuries were described as not life-threatening.

Hundreds of tributes were paid to Mr Cunningham on social media throughout Friday.

One post read: “Woke this morning to discover a really good work mate and friend has tragically died in car crash. I’m in total shock can’t express the kind of guy he was - always smiling and up for the craic.”

SDLP MLA Sean Rogers knew Patrick and his wife Karen.

He said: “This is an absolute tragedy for the man’s family and the whole community here. I know the family from my time as teacher and principal at St Louis in Kilkeel and this is heartbreaking news.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the man’s wife and children at this very difficult time.”

His party colleague, MP Margaret Ritchie, added: “I know that the local community in Killowen and the Mournes area will stand shoulder to shoulder with the family of the man who lost his life, and will wrap them in a warm embrace at this time of sadness and sorrow.

“Death is always a difficult time, but it is more challenging for the family, friends and relatives of the bereaved when it is sudden, untimely and the result of an accident.

“I understand that two other men were treated in hospital in injuries.

“I hope that they will fully recover, discharged from hospital and be restored to their families.”

Sinn Fein councillor Sean Doran said he had known Mr Cunningham since he was just five-years-old.

“I knew him most of his life,” he added.

“He would have played football for the local team when younger.

“He was a lovely young fella. It’s a terrible tragedy.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police received a report of the collision shortly before 6.30am this morning. Two other men have been taken to hospital for treatment for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

“Inspector Lynne Corbett is appealing for anyone who was travelling on the Killowen Road this morning and who witnessed the collision to contact Police in Newry or the Collision Investigation Unit on the non-emergency number 101.”